The life of James “Jim” Richard Demuth — a devoted father and family man, successful businessman, philanthropist, passionate and loyal Ohio State Buckeyes fan, and friend to all — came to a peaceful conclusion on Wednesday afternoon, May 13, 2026, at the Cleveland Clinic, where he was surrounded by his children.
Jim grew up in New Philadelphia on his family’s dairy farm that he still called home today. Growing up working on the farm, Jim’s parents instilled in him the values of hard work, land stewardship and giving back to your community—values that Jim remained committed to throughout his life.
After graduating from New Philadelphia High School, he continued his formal education at THE Ohio State University. After college, Jim met and fell in love with his future wife, the late Molly Whalen Demuth, while attending a Buckeye football game. They were blessed with 19 years of marriage and two children, Jackie and Brendan, before Molly’s passing in 2007.
After attending the Ohio State University, he moved to Houston, Texas for several years to work for Arthur Andersen & Co. as a certified public accountant. Missing the farm and bored with the monotony of accounting, he moved home to work with his father and brother, John Demuth, at Landscaping & Reclamation, Inc. In 2001, Jim started Tucson, Inc. where he spent his career building Tucson into a successful construction company.
Jim entered the wine business in 2012 when he and his college roommate purchased land in Healdsburg, California on Dry Creek Valley Road. On that trip he was awed by an old vine Zinfandel that not only tasted like nothing he had tasted before but had a great connection to the land and the tradition of farming. Not long after the visit, Gregory James Wines was started as passion project that even further connected Jim’s passion for farming and great wines.
Even with a full fleet of heavy equipment his favorite piece of equipment remains his father’s 1946 Farmall tractor that is depicted on the label of all Gregory James Wines.
In 2016, Jim, along with a lifelong friend Dr. Mitchell Drumm, created the Giving Kids Hope fundraising charity event to support the Research Institute for Children’s Health at Case Western Reserve University. The Institute applies state of the art technology in the fields of genetics and pharmacology to rapidly develop therapies for genetic-based disorders in children.
Recently, Kent State University at Tuscarawas honored Jim as the Inaugural Toast to Education Award recipient for his timeless dedication to and support of education and the community. As a board member of the Tuscarawas County University Foundation, he supported the mission of Kent State Tuscarawas. Jim followed in the footsteps of his father, Richard, who was a charter member of the board. Jim was instrumental in the establishment of a walking and biking trail encompassing the campus property. The trail is dedicated to his father’s long-time commitment to Kent State students and the campus.
Jim’s family includes his children, Jacqueline Demuth and Brendan (fiancé, Karsen Brown) Demuth; his granddaughter, Briar James Demuth; siblings, Marcia Demuth, Nancy (Scott) McDaniel, Dana Demuth and Carol Paulenske; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members.
In addition to his parents and wife, Molly Demuth, Jim was preceded in death by his brothers, John Demuth and Robert Demuth.
The Demuth family will receive friends and family Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where a Christian Wake Service will conclude the visitation at 8:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father William Arnold, Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Joseph Catholic Church at Dover. Interment will follow in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia. A reception will follow in the St. Joseph School Parrish Hall at Dover. Those traveling to the cemetery will form the funeral procession at Linn-Hert-Geib Thursday morning where a brief prayer service will commence at 10:00 a.m.
Throughout their lives, Jim and Molly were boosters of all things related to the Ohio State University. Please direct memorial contributions to either The Molly B. Demuth Memorial Scholarship through The OSU Alumni Club of Tuscarawas County, 1377 3rd Street SE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or to the Research Institute for Children’s Health at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine (visit giving.case.edu/rich or call 216-368-6165).
Jim lived a life centered around his children, family, friendship, generosity, and community. A gifted people person with a larger-than-life personality, he loved to socialize, connect with others, and often became the center of attention wherever he went. Known as a master delegator and natural leader, Jim inspired those around him through his vision, warmth, and ability to bring people together. He believed deeply in giving back, supporting countless charitable causes throughout his life, and hoped to leave a lasting legacy and meaningful impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory
116 Second Street NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663
www.geibfuneral.com
Geib Funeral Service
5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio 44622
Geib Pet Crematory
5600 North Wooster Avenue, Dover, Ohio 44622
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